Gamers looking for intellectual horror will find it in Silent Hill 2. As the story opens, James Sunderland receives a letter from his wife telling him to meet her in the town of Silent Hill. The only problem is that she's been dead for three years. In hopes of being reunited with her, he explores the haunted town, and has many terrifying and unexpected encounters. While the brilliantly designed monsters are indeed scary, it's the complex twists and turns of the plot that really produce the game's terror. Gameplay is largely puzzle-based. Much of it involves gathering clues and items to solve each puzzle. There are a few fights thrown in, but these are quite easy, and mostly used to show off the developers' bizarre creations. The level of both puzzles and fighting can be adjusted to match each player's skill level. Although its mechanics are rudimentary, the game's presentation is anything but. A heavy use of fog is the game's hallmark effect, greatly adding to the mood. Sound--both effects and music--alternates between eerie silence and sudden, shocking crescendos. Although the graphics and sound are both top-notch, the real star of this game is the story. It's very rich and intricate--a sharp contrast to the banal scenarios that frame most games. The game is short (around 10 hours), but you'll want to give it another go to discover its multiple endings and secret items. Despite basic gameplay, Silent Hill 2 is an excellent choice for gamers looking for cerebral thrills. Parents should note that in addition to violence and gore, this game deals with topics like suicide, murder, and euthanasia. --Raymond M. Padilla